The Transvaal of To-day

PREFACE TO FIRST EDITION.

HE "South African Question" will probably, by the me this work reaches the public, be a burning one, nd it is my design to make its study easier both for lers, and people. The condition of South Africa is teresting to others than the parliamentarians and oliticians of England. It is one that appeals to the erchant, the intending emigrant, and the soldier, as uch as, or more than, it does to the professional olitician. It appeals strongly to the English taxayer; and before July 1879, will appeal forcibly and eeply to his pockets. A recent writer has asked, and ery fairly asked, Why must our artisans be taxed in id of populations who have no millions of paupers to upport? He enters in his 'Greater Britain' at length to this question, which is essentially a ratepayer's me. I am prepared to give the answer-in fact, the tory that I tell answers it.

I have written solely in the interest of truth. I ave sought to epitomise-for the benefit of politicians, portsmen, travellers, and intending emigrants - the xperience of years. When the present troubles are ver, I shall endeavour to put further information

sound practical information—before intending settlers and enterprising men desirous to invest capital in the Transvaal.

The knowledge I have acquired of colonial men and manners depends on ten years' intimate connection with the press and people of South Africa. In this work I represent no especial party. I am not writing either to praise or to blame, but simply to state facts calculated to bring the cause and the costs of the war now being waged on the north-eastern border of the Transvaal fully, fairly, and intelligently before the British public.

If what I have written causes inquiry, awakes a livelier interest in subject populations, and, however indirectly, saves one human life, I shall rest satisfied that I have performed a duty.

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The first edition of 'The Transvaal of To-day' having been exhausted, the greatly increased public interest in the subject and continued demand for the work, have led to the issue of a new and cheaper edition. The Author has not in any way altered the original text, and the reader will thus be enabled to verify the correctness of his forecast of the probable course of events in South Africa.

March 1881.